English

Faculty

Chair: Associate Professor Nathaniel Lewis
Professors: Kathleen Balutansky, F. Nick Clary, Elizabeth Inness-Brown, Carey Kaplan, Robert Niemi, Lorrie Smith, Christina Root
Associate Professors: Kerry Shea, Greg Delanty
Assistant Professor: Maura D’Amore
Instructor: William Marquess
Henry Fairbanks Visiting Scholar in the Humanities: Timothy Mackin

Literature has great power to convey understanding of human existence. Most religious and philosophical thinkers have taught by fable, parable, allegory, and poetry. Knowledge of literature, coupled with the ability to read critically and write effectively, is a worthy aim for students, whatever their career goals.

English department offerings include courses in literature, language, writing, and film. There are courses in British, American, and world literatures. The department encourages students to study early and recent writers, various genres, the literatures of diverse cultures, creative writing of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, and critical theory.

The department requires two writing-intensive courses within the major—EN 123, Introduction to Literary Studies and EN 325, Critical Theory—although all English courses contribute to the goal of writing proficiency. Majors must maintain a high level of written expression and will be expected to learn and use the skills of literary scholarship. The student who is uncomfortable writing and reading should not choose to major in English; those with a grade below C in EN 123 will be discouraged from continuing in the major.

Although the department offers no concentration in writing as such, students may select from a range of writing courses. Those wishing to continue to graduate school in creative writing are encouraged to take a course in each genre; in the senior year, they may seek approval for an independent study or internship in the genre they wish to pursue.

Students transferring into English from other majors must have an overall 2.0 GPA and departmental approval.